Veterinary Assistant II

Agency Summary

The purpose and mission of Animal Care Services is advocating animal welfare, adoption, and rescue. The agency does this by protecting and promoting the health, safety, and welfare of pets and livestock in Marion County. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Job Summary

Positions is responsible for assessing health of animals, triaging medical needs and assisting with medical duties as required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

• Administer medications to animals
• Assesses the health of animals in the shelter
• Assists the veterinarian during shelter rounds
• Provides input on euthanasia decisions for medical reasons
• Performs animal euthanasia
• Performs diagnostic skin scrapes on animals
• Performs diagnostic fecal parasite tests on animals
• Utilizes equipment to perform diagnostics including bloodwork and x-rays
• Clips and cleans wounds
• Assesses animals for pregnancy
• Assesses animals for fleas, ear mites, and other external parasites
• Enters and updates animal medical records
• Grooms severely neglected animals
• Monitors medical supply inventory
• Transports animals to veterinary clinics for spay-neuter surgery or other medical treatments
• Prepares medications
• Assist with procedures including but not limited to ear cleanings, dental cleanings, iv catheter placement, and bandage changes

Must have at least two (2) years working experience as a veterinary assistant in a veterinary clinic or animal shelter. Must be able to communicate with a culturally diverse staff and public and always display professional and courteous behavior. Must be able to write legibly and learn to use the shelter management computer system. Weekend and evening hours may be required. Must have a strong knowledge of animal health and diseases.

Must have strong knowledge of veterinary medicine, preferably in a shelter setting. Must have skills such as performing diagnostic tests and physical examinations on animals. Must be able to effectively communicate with veterinarians, managers, kennel and field staff in a professional and courteous manner. Must be able to safely and humanely handle and control potentially aggressive animals in excess of 50 lbs.

Work is performed with potentially dangerous dogs, cats, and other animals. Work is also performed in a kennel area where the incumbent is exposed to dust, noise, bending, lifting, and other hazards of a kennel environment. Also includes handling of animal waste, fur/dander, and blood. Some tasks are performed in an office environment.

Physical Conditions

1. Sitting at a desk as well as standing and walking for long periods of time
2. Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials 50 pounds
3. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or workstation
4. Tasks require the ability to perceive and hear sounds and see visual cues or signals
5. Tasks require the ability to communicate orally